Harinordoquy scored France's opening try against England

"I am very happy because we wanted to win against the best team in the world," he said.

"We played well in the first half although in the second period we were not so good.

"We were very good in defence, in the scrum and in the line-out but England are still the best team in the world."

For France, the victory was even sweeter following their defeat at the hands of England in the World Cup semi-finals in Australia last year.

Laporte however was keen to play down the revenge aspect saying: "The semi-final is finished.

"England were the better side in that game and we congratulated them but in this match, we were the best."